Sunday, April 23, 2006

The day after yesterday

Since the day before this was devoted to the drinking of beer and wine this day should be all about contemplation, since I rarely contemplate and rather start the day with yet another bottle of beer, this day should be all about praising the wonderful liquid we call beer. And I want to do this by using the words of a well known drinker: John Wilmot.


Upon his drinking bowl

Vulcan, contrive me such a cup
As Nestor used of old;
Show all thy skill to trim it up,
Damask it round with gold.

Make it so large that, filled with sack
Up to the swelling brim,
Vast toasts on the delicious lake
Like ships at sea may swim.

Engrave not battle on its cheek:
With war I've nought to do;
I'm none of those that took Maastricht,
Nor Yarmouth leaguer knew.

Let it no name of planets tell,
Fixed stars, or constellations;
For I am no Sir Sidrophel,
Nor none of his relations.

But carve theron a spreading vine,
Then add two lovely boys;
Their limbs in amorous folds intwine,
The type of future joys.

Cupid and Bacchus my saints are,
May drink and love still reign,
With wine I wash away my cares,
And then to cunt again.

JW

No comments: